Custody hearing without a lawyer?

Can i file a custody hearing on my own or do you really have to have a lawyer to do that. I really don't have the funds but haveb to something with my ex, we just cannot agree on anything.

Iowa

[tbyte]

Yes, you can file motions in court on your own. The courts do not require you to have an attorney.
But if you wife retains an attorney and you do not, then you are going to be outgunned. She could even retain an attorney and then try to get the court to order you to pay her attorney's fees.
If neither of you retains an attorney then you will both be on equal footing, but there exists the possibility that there could be an error or omission in the final decree, and as the father, such mistakes are more likely to be detrimental to you than to her.
Unfortunately, our family courts show little respect for pro-se litigants, and the judge or magistrate is more likely to just use their "mom gets the kids, dad pays the money" rubber-stamp on your case and then toss it aside.

Hmmm.

That does not sound very promising.

Can I start without a lawyer and add one if she gets one?
Is that ever done? I am not sure I have ever heard of anybody doing that?

[tbyte]

Yes.